Contextualization

Evolution, one of the cornerstones of modern biology, is a process that has shaped life on Earth for billions of years. The theory of natural selection, proposed by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace, is a fundamental mechanism of evolution. Natural selection acts on the variation that exists within populations, favoring traits that improve an organism's chances of survival and reproduction. Over time, this can lead to the emergence of new species.

Natural selection is not a linear, predictable process. Instead, it is influenced by a variety of factors, including the environment, competition, and random genetic mutations. These factors can lead to the evolution of diverse species and the development of complex biological structures and behaviors.

Understanding evolution and natural selection is not only important for biology but also for many other scientific disciplines. It helps us understand the diversity of life on Earth, the origins of human beings, and the spread of diseases. Additionally, it has practical applications in fields such as medicine and agriculture, where knowledge of evolution can be used to combat drug resistance or improve crop yields.

Introduction

To begin our project, we recommend reviewing the following resources:

1. Khan Academy: Evolution and Natural Selection: This is a comprehensive resource that covers the basics of evolution and natural selection. It includes videos, quizzes, and articles.

2. BBC Bitesize: Natural Selection: This resource provides a clear explanation of natural selection, including some real-world examples. It also includes a short quiz to test your understanding.

3. National Geographic: Evolution: This resource provides an overview of the theory of evolution, including natural selection. It includes a timeline of key events in the history of life on Earth.

4. Book: "The Making of the Fittest" by Sean B. Carroll: This book explores the process of evolution and natural selection through fascinating examples from the animal kingdom. It is written in a clear, accessible style and includes helpful illustrations.

All of these resources will provide a solid foundation in the theory and practice of evolution and natural selection. As you work through them, think about how the concepts of variation, competition, and survival apply to the world around you. These ideas are not just abstract theories; they are fundamental principles that shape the living world.

Practical Activity: "Survival of the Fittest: A Natural Selection Simulation"

Objective of the Project

To allow students to simulate the process of natural selection and understand how it leads to the evolution of species in response to changes in the environment.

Detailed Description of the Project

In this project, students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5. Each group will be responsible for creating a simulated ecosystem and introducing a change in the environment. They will then observe how this change affects the survival and reproduction of different "species" in the ecosystem over several "generations". The goal is to demonstrate how natural selection can lead to the evolution of species that are better adapted to their environment.

Necessary Materials

• Paper and pens for planning and recording observations
• Small objects to represent different species (e.g., colored beads, beans, or paper clips)
• A timer
• A small container to represent the environment

Detailed Step-by-Step for Carrying Out the Activity

1. Planning: Each group should begin by planning their simulation. They should decide on the different "species" that will live in their ecosystem and what characteristics each species will have. They should also decide what change they will introduce into the environment (e.g., a new predator, a change in climate, etc.).

2. Setting up the Ecosystem: Once the planning is complete, the group should set up their ecosystem. They should place a certain number of each species in the environment and ensure that each species has enough resources to survive and reproduce.

3. Running the Simulation: The group should start the timer and let the simulation run for a certain period of time (e.g., 10 minutes). During this time, they should record any changes in the population of each species and any changes in the characteristics of the species.

4. Introducing the Change: After the first generation, the group should introduce the change into the environment. This might involve removing some resources, adding a new predator, etc.

5. Repeating the Process: The group should then repeat steps 3 and 4 for several generations, recording their observations after each generation.

6. Finishing the Simulation: After the final generation, the group should stop the timer and analyze their results.

Project Deliveries

At the end of the project, each group will need to submit the following:

1. A Written Report: This report should be divided into four main sections: Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Used Bibliography.

   • In the Introduction, students should provide a brief overview of the theory of natural selection and explain the objective of their simulation.
   • In the Development section, they should detail the methodology used, describe their observations during the simulation, and explain how these observations relate to the theory of natural selection.
   • In the Conclusion, they should summarize their findings and reflect on what they learned from the project.
   • The Bibliography should include all the sources they consulted during the project.

2. A Presentation: Each group will also need to give a short presentation summarizing their project. The presentation should include a description of their simulation, a discussion of their findings, and a reflection on the process of carrying out the project.

Through this practical activity, students will not only gain a deeper understanding of the process of natural selection but also develop important skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and creative thinking.